Meet Candace Marek

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candace Marek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candace below.

Candace, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I believe I was taught generosity as a child from my parents and grandparents, as I was close with them. I was the youngest of 4 kids (with several years in between my siblings and I). So I was quite shy as a kid, but very observant of everything. I’m not sure I was being intentionally observant, rather I seemed to absorb/retain what I saw and heard (I am still very much like that today). I watched my parents sacrifice their own needs to ensure our family had all that we needed. I watched my grandparents offer their friends and loved ones meals, friendships and a place of warmth. I would see all of them give to others, whether it be people they knew or strangers. I was fortunate to be shown a tender side of life, to be kind to others and open your heart up. I believe I learned how to be empathetic at a young age and it’s carried into my adult life because I genuinely always try to think of others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a business owner and a woman that is goal focused and driven. I am very disciplined, organized and tend to want to be a bit of a perfectionist because I want to do everything to the highest level. I try to be optimistic and positive as my “rule of life”, but I am human and we all have our moments. If I ever get into a negative head space, I am the kind of person that will think about that, feel upset that I allowed myself to go there and actively determine how to turn that around. I approach life with how to be the best version of myself. I recognize daily how lucky I am to have the life I have and I never take it for granted (family, health, love…the list goes on).

I try to make others feel great about themselves and try to make them believe in themselves. When I see someone struggling I try to be there for them to help them through it. When I see people that have had successes (whether it be a small win or a big win), I cheer for them and let them know how proud I am of them. I am sincere with my actions and default to this with almost everyone I meet.

My main passion in life is my family, they are my everything and I love the closeness we have with each other. I have a husband that supports me 100% in everything I do and shows me love daily. I have a daughter that is driven and kind and doesn’t take anything for granted either. We are a small family, but our love for each other is so big.

My other passion is fitness. I have had fitness in my life since I was a teenager and opened my gym “AKT Brier Creek” in 2020. Opening AKT has been the most challenging business I have ever run (I’ve had several businesses over the years). This was due to COVID, and several other reasons….PLUS running a gym is a very tough industry in general from a business perspective. Yet, it’s been the most rewarding experience of my life. I have formed such special relationships with others and the fact that I can make any impact on someone is amazing. Watching my members gain confidence and strength (physically and mentally) has been so special. While the results are great, the community is the part I love the most. I literally go into AKT daily excited to see my members and when I’m not at the gym, I am home working on AKT to make it the best experience for them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The qualities that have been impactful in my journey has been Dedication, Determination, Discipline and Drive. 4 similar definitions of each, yet different. I call it the “D4” and I approach life with this mindset. I Dedicate my time, passion and efforts to whatever I believe in. I am Determined to make it work. I have to remain Disciplined in my actions to stay on track. I have to stay Driven and focused to ensure my goals are met.

The advice I would give to anyone early in their journey is to keep these qualities throughout the good times and the bad ones. It is a winning approach even if it means it wins “eventually”. Never give up and fight for what you love.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to show me love in so many ways during my childhood and still to this day. They told me they loved me daily, they showed affection, they believed in me, they supported me, they celebrated me. When I was growing up, we never seemed to struggle for things. I’m sure my parents had their struggles but they did not let us see it. They made sure they did everything they could to provide us with food, a home, clothes, vacations and each other. We were raised with morals and family values. We were taught the importance of doing the right thing and how to be a good person. Some people focus in on all the negative things to pull from their childhood. I tend to only see the good and the way my parents raised me allowed me to be the person I am today. I have carried these important values and traits to my own daughter and I think she is amazing because of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theakt.com
• Instagram: aktbriercreek
• Facebook: AKT Brier Creek

Image Credits

Hayes Fine Art: Melissa Hayes